News

OCWA Board Member Melanie Debassige named one of Canada's Most Powerful Women

November 22, 2019

Congratulations to OCWA board member Melanie Debassige on being named one of Canada's Most Powerful Women: Top 100 (Women's Executive Network).

“I’m not just doing this for myself. I’m a role model.”

“I look at power in terms of strength. I believe the strength I hold comes from the resiliency and the work of my ancestors. Being the daughter of a residential school survivor and having attended an Indian day school, these experiences demonstrated to me I was meant to be born, survive and thrive to ensure equity and recognition for Indigenous people through my work and through my journey. I’m the first woman to lead this organization. A part of our vision and mission is to provide technical services and encourage First Nations youth to become the leaders of tomorrow. We have a proposal into the federal government for funding to launch a youth outreach program to encourage more Indigenous women to enter the trades and technical fields. I was appointed to the inaugural board of the Canada Energy Regulator [formerly the National Energy Board, for which Debassige helped draft a reconciliation plan], which gives me the opportunity to give back to my country. Governance is at the heart of First Nations people. I am always focused on how to bring forth better governance so we are able to move our companies and organizations forward in a good way, where we are able to hold our historical teachings and way of life and bring forward a modern approach.”

For more information visit Financial Post: Powerfull Empowered.